Wirelessly powered medical devices and instruments

ABSTRACT

A medical device that is wirelessly powered by a resonant magnetic field, the device automatically coupling to a power transmitter in a control unit when brought within a threshold radius. In one embodiment, the control unit automatically identifies the medical device and automatically adjusts its settings to control the medical device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/047,967 filed Apr. 25, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a wireless medical instrument and morespecifically to a medical video instrument that wirelessly receiveselectrical power for operation of the video instrument.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Powered medical devices and/or instruments have been in use for manyyears. However, one of the major drawbacks of such instruments is therelatively large amount of cables required for operation. For example,cutting devices require the use of a power cable to provide electricalpower for the medical instrument. Likewise, video endoscopes havetraditionally required the use of a power cable and a data transmissionline as well as a fiber optic cable for transmission of illuminatinglight.

These lines are cumbersome and may even present operational difficultiesfor the user. For example, these cables can get in the way of othersurgical instruments and also make the endoscope top heavy and difficultto maneuver. Additionally, surgeons often complain of fatigue becausethey are constantly working against the weight of the cables attached totheir instruments.

Still another problem that cables present is that they can compromisethe procedure if mismanaged as contact with the cables, by anotherindividual or with an object, may suddenly cause tugging on aninstrument and/or accidentally cause the instrument to be thrust into orimpinge upon delicate tissue. In fact, this problem is so prevalent thatmany surgeons wrap the cables around their wrists several times toprevent cable forces from transferring directly to their instruments.

In an attempt to address some of the problems associated with “wired”devices, a number of systems have sought to provide “wireless” systemswith limited success. For example, systems have provided for wirelesstransmission of image data from an endoscope to a display and havefurther provided an energy source positioned on the endoscope. Thisprovides the advantage that the cables are eliminated as the powersource on the endoscope powers both the image circuitry and a lightsource (typically an LED) positioned on the endoscope. However, thesesystems suffer from a number of drawbacks.

First, battery systems continue to be inherently large, heavy andcostly. As was previously stated, physicians that have to manipulate arelatively heavy device or fight against relatively heavy cables, sufferfrom fatigue, especially in relatively complicated and long surgicalprocedures.

Another problem with battery-powered systems is that they may not berecharged or they may only be partially recharged, thus causing them toshut down or at the very least, causing the device to function at anon-optimal level (i.e. low voltage level) for a portion of theprocedure. While procedures may be put into place to limit mistakes inthe recharging process, human-error will result in some devices notbeing charged or not being fully recharged. It is widely know that it iscritical to limit the time that a patient is under general anesthesia.Any delay due to, for example, failure of a medical instrument or evensub-standard operation and delay as a new instrument is obtained,connected and powered up should therefore be avoided if at all possible.

Still another problem with battery-powered systems is that batteriesinherently deteriorate over time. For example, initially a battery mayprovide a sufficient amount of power output to operate a particularmedical instrument for a given period. However, as the battery is usedand recharged again and again, that power output slowly decreases untilthe battery can no longer maintain sufficient charge to operate themedical device for the length of the procedure. While the battery mayfunction sufficiently for a certain number of operations, it is unclearif and/or when the battery will fail, for example, during a medicalprocedure. Regular replacement of batteries can limit this problem,however, this greatly increases the cost associated with using wirelessdevices. Battery testing can also limit this problem, but this takestime and involves human error if the individual forgets, makes a mistakein testing or misreads the results.

In still another system disclosed in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2007/0290814 (Yoshida), a wireless power feeding system is providedfor wirelessly transmitting electrical energy to a capsule endoscopesystem. The system in Yoshida includes an image pickup unit that isswallowed by the individual (i.e. a capsule) and generates and transmitsan image signal of the area adjacent to the capsule. The Yoshida systemis a capsule that will slowly work its way through the body providingvarious still frame images of the areas (e.g. gastrointestinal tract)through which it passes. Yoshida uses an inductive power transfer methodthat is based on the orientation of the power transmitting coil relativeto the power receiving coil. For example, Yoshida states that “theamount of power received by a power receiving coil is maximized when thewinding axis of a power transmitting coil substantially matches thewinding of the power receiving coil” and that “direction and position ofthe magnetic member” is “changed to collect more of the magnetic flux.”(Pars. 55-57) Accordingly, the position and orientation of thetransmitter and receiver is important to Yoshida to ensure a sufficientamount of energy is transmitted to the capsule. Such a system may beacceptable for use with, for example, a capsule that is not manipulatedby a surgeon. However, in an active medical procedure, the surgeon isregularly (if not almost continually) manipulating medical instruments(e.g. cutting tools, video endoscopes, etc.) as necessary to accomplishthe procedure. Therefore, the system taught in Yoshida could not be usedfor an active medical procedure as the power transmitting coil would notregularly be aligned with the receiving coil. It would be virtuallyimpossible for the surgeon to perform the procedure if the surgeon hadto maintain the tool in alignment with the power transmitter as thesurgeon needs to freely move the tool without regard to external issues.In any event, the capsule system is certainly not designed formanipulation by the physician (i.e. it is designed to be ingested by thepatient).

Another limitation of the system taught in Yoshida, is that it is notprovided to transmit a video stream of information that requires 30-60frames of information per second. Rather, the system taught in Yoshidais a passive system that provides still frame images as it passesthrough the body. (Pars. 24-25) In fact, in view of the limited amountof power that can be transmitted to the capsule, it is questionablewhether the video could provide a video stream of the area it is slowlypassing through. Additionally, the system taught in Yoshida does notprovide for the constant light output needed for continual illuminationfor video transmission. The power requirement to perform thisfunctionality is orders of magnitude higher than is contemplated in theYoshida system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

What is desired therefore is a system and method that eliminates theproblem associated with “wired” medical devices and further addressesthe problems associated with battery-powered medical devices.

It is also desired to provide a system and method that reduces theweight of a medical instrument.

It is further desired to provide a system and method that eliminates thecables connected to a medical instrument such that the physician isunimpeded to perform a medical procedure.

It is still further desired to provide a wirelessly powered transmissionsystem for a medical instrument that allows for the transmission ofstreaming video.

It is yet further desired to provide a system and method that provides ahighly reliable wirelessly powered transmission system for a medicalinstrument with reduced operational costs.

These and other objectives are achieved in one advantageous embodimentby the provision of a medical instrument that provides for the wirelesstransmission of power to operate the instrument. While wirelesstransmission of data has been facilitated, the provision of power hasbeen provided either by means of electrical cables or by a portablepower source (e.g. a battery positioned on the medical instrumentitself). The present invention seeks to provide electrical power to themedical instrument via a wireless coupling.

It is contemplated that in one embodiment, the medical instrument candraw enough power via a resonate coupling arrangement, to functionwithout need of any type of electrical storage device positioned on themedical instrument. In another embodiment, a reduced weight electricalstorage device may by positioned on the medical device to store a verylimited amount of electrical power in the event of a momentarydisconnection from the wireless power coupling. In the secondembodiment, the medical device would automatically start recharging whenit enters the vicinity of a wireless power sending unit.

It is contemplated that the medical instrument can comprise virtuallyany type of powered medical instrument, including for example, acutting/cauterizing tool, an irrigation/aspiration tool, a visualizationtool, a recording and/or printing device, etc. In the case of a videoendoscope, it is contemplated that in addition to wireless coupling to apower sending device, the endoscope will wirelessly couple to a controlunit, in which wirelessly transmitted data would be transmitted betweenthe endoscope and the control unit including but not limited to, controldata, command data, identification data, maintenance data, image dataand combinations thereof. For example, once the endoscope is brought inthe vicinity of a wireless power sending unit, the endoscope may powerup and communicate with a control unit identifying the type of endoscopesuch that the control unit adjusts its setting to proper control theparticular endoscope.

It is still further contemplated that the medical device may be coupledto a network. In this example, the medical instrument can be seamlesslyintegrated into a surgical station that may include various differingtypes of medical instruments that are integrated into a single surgicalstation. In the event the medical device comprises an endoscope, theimage data may be transmitted over the network connection for viewing byother individuals, for example, for teaching or instruction. The imagestream may further be recorded for later consultation. In any event, themedical instrument will be provided with a wireless power source suchthat the physician is provided with a reliable, light-weight,cost-effective device that will not present the interference issues of“wired” medical devices.

For this application the following terms and definitions shall apply:

The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks,symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physicalform or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary,whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagneticor otherwise manifested. The term “data” as used to representpredetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed toencompass any and all representations of the same predeterminedinformation in a different physical form or forms.

The term “network” as used herein includes both networks andinternetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limitedto any particular network or inter-network.

The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one element, set,data, object or thing from another, and are not used to designaterelative position or arrangement in time.

The terms “coupled”, “coupled to”, and “coupled with” as used hereineach mean a relationship between or among two or more devices,apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks, systems,subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of (a) aconnection, whether direct or through one or more other devices,apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks, systems,subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether director through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, programs, media,components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and/or (c) afunctional relationship in which the operation of any one or moredevices, apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks,systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on theoperation of any one or more others thereof.

The term “surgical suite” as used herein means an integrated surgicalsystem that includes one or more controllers; a bus; one or more medicaldevices (e.g. cutting/cauterizing tool(s), irrigation tool(s),aspiration tool(s), visualization tool(s), recording and/or printingdevices, etc.); where the various devices are coupled to the bus andcontrolled by an interface device.

The term “resonant” interaction as used herein, is used to describe therelatively strong coupling that occurs between two substantiallysame-frequency objects (e.g. a transmitter/receiver), while interactingrelatively weakly with other off-resonant environmental objects.“Resonant” interaction would further encompass resonant evanescentcoupling where resonant coupling occurs through the overlap ofnon-radiative near-fields of two objects.

The terms “process” and “processing” as used herein each mean an actionor a series of actions including, for example, but not limited to thecontinuous or non-continuous, synchronous or asynchronous, direction ofdata, modification, formatting and/or conversion of data, tagging orannotation of data, measurement, comparison and/or review of data, andmay or may not comprise a program.

In one advantageous embodiment a video endoscope system is providedcomprising an endoscope which has an imager generating video image datastream, a light source generating illuminating light and an endoscopetransceiver coupled to and providing power to the imager and the lightsource. The video endoscope system further includes a power transceivergenerating a resonant magnetic field. The endoscope transceiver is tunedto the resonant magnetic field such that resonant interaction occursbetween the endoscope transceiver and the power transceiver andelectrical power is transmitted to the endoscope transceiver via theresonant interaction. The system further includes a display coupled tothe endoscope. The endoscope system is provided such that the endoscopewirelessly transmits the video image data stream to the display and theimage data is presented on the display

In another advantageous embodiment a method for displaying a video dataimage stream on a display is provided comprising the steps ofpositioning an imager in an endoscope, positioning a light source in theendoscope and positioning an endoscope transceiver in the endoscope. Themethod also includes the steps of coupling the endoscope transceiver tothe imager and the light source and providing a power transceiver. Themethod may also include the steps of generating a resonant magneticfield with the power transceiver and tuning the endoscope transceiver tothe resonant magnetic field such that resonant interaction occursbetween the endoscope transceiver and the power transceiver. The methodfurther includes the steps of transmitting power from the powertransceiver to the endoscope transceiver via the resonant interactionand powering the imager and the light source with the power received bythe endoscope transceiver. It is contemplated that the method alsoincludes the steps of generating illuminating light with the lightsource and generating a video image data stream with the imager.Finally, the method includes the steps of wirelessly transmitting thevideo image data stream from the endoscope to a display and displayingthe video image data stream on a display.

In still another advantageous embodiment a medical device system isprovided comprising a medical device that has an electronic circuit anda resonant receiver coupled to and providing electrical power to theelectrical circuit. The medical device system further includes a powertransmitting unit including a resonant transmitter generating a resonantmagnetic field. The medical device system is further provided such thatthe resonant receiver is tuned to the resonant magnetic field whereresonant interaction occurs between the resonant receiver and theresonant transmitter and electrical power to operate the medical deviceis transmitted to the resonant receiver via the resonant interaction.

In yet another advantageous embodiment an endoscope system is providedcomprising an endoscope that has a light source generating illuminatinglight and an endoscope transceiver coupled to and providing power to thelight source. The endoscope system further includes a power transceivergenerating a resonant magnetic field. The endoscope system is providedsuch that the endoscope transceiver is tuned to the resonant magneticfield such that resonant interaction occurs between the endoscopetransceiver and said power transceiver and power is transmitted to theendoscope transceiver via the resonant interaction.

Other objects of the invention and its particular features andadvantages will become more apparent from consideration of the followingdrawings and accompanying detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an advantageous embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram according to the advantageous embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram according to the advantageous embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram according to the advantageous embodiment ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram according to the advantageous embodiment ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram according to the advantageous embodiment ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram according to the advantageous embodiment of 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding structure throughout the views.

FIG. 1 generally depicts system 100 for providing electrical power to amedical device 102. It is contemplated that medical device 102 couldcomprise virtually any type of powered medical device, including but notlimited to, a cutting/cauterizing tool, an irrigation/aspiration tool, avisualization tool, a recording and/or printing device and the like.Medical device 102 is provided with electronic circuit 104 and resonantreceiver 106. Electronic circuit 104 may comprise anyelectronic/electrical circuit(s) used to operate medical device 102.Electronic circuit 104 is electrically coupled to resonant receiver 106.

Also provided in FIG. 1 is power transmitting unit 108 that includesresonant transmitter 110. It is contemplated that resonant transmitter110 generates a resonant magnetic field 112 (depicted by the concentriclines) that transmits from power transmitting unit 108. Resonantreceiver 106 is “tuned” to the same frequency as resonant magnetic field112 such that, when resonant receiver 106 is moved to a location withinresonant magnetic field 112, a strong resonant coupling occurs betweenresonant receiver 106 and resonant transmitter 110. The resonantcoupling in one advantageous embodiment, comprises evanescent stationarynear-field. While the transmitter/receiver may comprise virtually anytype of resonant structure, it is contemplated that in an advantageousembodiment, the electromagnetic resonant system may comprise dielectricdisks and capacitively-loaded conducting-wire loops. This arrangementprovides the advantages of a strong coupling for relatively large andefficient power transfer as well as relatively weak interaction withother off-resonant environmental objects in the vicinity.

Turning now to FIG. 2, system 200 generally includes an endoscope 202having an imager 204, a light source 206 and an endoscope transceiver208. System 200 further includes control unit 210 having control unittransceiver 212 and processor 214. Display 216 is shown coupled tocontrol unit 210.

It should be noted that control unit transceiver 212 generates aresonant magnetic field 218 similar to that described in connection withFIG. 1 and will not be re-described here.

Endoscope transceiver 208 receives electrical power via resonantmagnetic field 218, which is transmitted to imager 204 and light source206 for operating the respective devices. It is contemplated that imager204 may comprise virtually any type of imaging device, including forexample, a CCD or CMOS device for generating image data. Likewise, lightsource 206 may comprise virtually any type of device for providingilluminating light, such as, for example, an LED. It is further notedthat the endoscope comprises a shaft 203, either rigid or flexible, thatis inserted into a body cavity on which a medical procedure is to beperformed. In one embodiment, the light source is located in a handleportion of the endoscope and illuminating light is transmitted down alight path to a distal end of the shaft to illuminate an area ahead ofthe shaft. The imager 204′ may, alternatively be positioned at thedistal end of the shaft 203 to receive or pick up reflected light togenerate image data. The image data may then be wirelessly transmittedto the control unit.

It should be noted that the image data is provided as a video image datastream comprising from about 30 to about 60 frames of data per second.This is possible as the resonant coupling allows for sufficientelectrical power to be transmitted to the endoscope transceiver 208.

The processor 214 is positioned in control unit 210 and is designed toreceive and process the received image data. It is contemplated that theprocessor 214 may further comprise a configurable unit to process theimage data in the format received from the imager 204.

Once the image data is processed into a format compatible for use withdisplay 216, the image data is transmitted to and displayed on display216 for observation by a user/viewer.

It is contemplated that endoscope transceiver 208 and control unittransceiver 212 are provided to resonantly couple electrical power fromcontrol unit 210 to endoscope 202 for operation of the electronics inendoscope 202. It is further contemplated that endoscope transceiver isadapted to transmit the image data generated by imager 204 to controlunit transceiver 212 for processing by processor 214. In oneadvantageous embodiment, the transmission of image data occurs via RFtransmission. In another advantageous embodiment, the transmission ofimage data occurs via the resonant coupling method previously described.In either event, there is two-way transmission (i.e. electrical power toendoscope 202 and image data to control unit 210).

FIG. 2A illustrated another embodiment of the present inventionhighlighting that the power transmitting unit 108 including the resonanttransmitter 110 discussed in connection with FIG. 1 need not be locatedin a control unit, but may in fact, merely be positioned in the vicinityof the endoscope 202.

Referring now to FIG. 3, system 200 is depicted including the endoscope202 and control unit 210 as per FIG. 2. The function and operation ofthe various features listed in FIG. 2 are substantially identical andwill not be re-described in connection with FIG. 3.

Also included in endoscope 202 is power storage device 220, which maycomprise, for example, a rechargeable battery. It is contemplated thatbattery 220 may comprise virtually any type of rechargeable battery asis known in industry. However, power storage device 220 willadvantageously be kept relative small and light-weight to keep theweight of endoscope 202 to a minimum.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, power storage device 220 is coupled to theelectrical connections between imager 204 and light source 206 andendoscope transceiver 208, such that, in the event that the resonantcoupling between endoscope transceiver 208 and control unit transceiver212 is lost, power storage device 220 will provide electrical power toboth imager 204 and light source 206. It is still further contemplatedthat when endoscope transceiver is resonantly coupled to control unittransceiver 212, power storage device 220 will automatically charge.While an on-board power source is provided in endoscope 202 in thisparticular embodiment, it should be noted that the power storage device220 may be provided relative small in size and weight. Accordingly, dueto the relatively small and light-weight characteristics of storagedevice 220, the endoscope is not designed to indefinitely run on of thepower storage device 220.

Also illustrated in FIG. 3 is data storage 222, which is coupled toprocessor 214. While data storage device is illustrated as residing incontrol unit 210, it is contemplated that data storage device may resideanywhere and may include virtually any type of data storage deviceincluding, for example, a hard drive device, RAM, ROM, optical storage,a USB thumb drive or the like, which is connected locally or via anetwork connection (including e.g., the Internet).

Input device 224 is also shown coupled to control unit 210. Control unit224 may comprise virtually any type of interface for a user to inputcommands. For example, input device 224 may comprise a keyboard, acontrol panel, voice activation, a USB device, etc. Additionally, whiledisplay 216 and input device 224 are illustrated as different devices,it is contemplated that display 216 may comprise a touch screen suchthat input device and display 216 are embodied in a single device.

Accordingly, by means of the input device 224, a user may save the imagedata to data storage 222. In another advantageous embodiment, a user isable to access the saved image data to be replayed on display 216. It iscontemplated that, for example, the image data that is being displayedon the display during a procedure could be paused, re-wound andre-played for the physician. It is still further contemplated that theimage data could be annotated by the physician, including for example, awritten annotation attached to the file or even an audio or visualannotation to the image data.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the system 200 further includes a connection toa bus 226 to which are connected a controller 228 and various medicaldevices (230, 232). It is further contemplated that a network connection234 may be provided such that the system 200 may be accessed via theInternet.

The configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 is one configuration that isgenerally known as a “surgical suite.” It is contemplated that themedical devices (230, 232) may comprise virtually any type of medicaldevice that may be operated by input device 224 and controller 228including, but not limited to, cutting/cauterizing tool(s), irrigationtool(s), aspiration tool(s), visualization tool(s), recording and/orprinting devices, etc. It is further contemplated that the surgicalsuite may be a rack mounted arrangement that may be portable from onesurgical room to the next.

FIG. 5 is provided to illustrate some of the communications that occurbetween endoscope 202 and control unit 210. For example, when endoscope202 is brought within the resonant magnetic field emanating from controlunit 210, resonant coupling occurs between the endoscope transceiver 208and control unit transceiver 212 such that electrical power istransmitted 236 to endoscope 202.

Once endoscope 202 is powered up, information is transmitted over a datachannel 244 identification data is transmitted to control unit 210 thatidentifies the type and settings of endoscope 202. Control unit 210 thenadjusts its internal settings so as to be able to properly receive theimage data from endoscope 202. Once configured, control unit 210 maythen send command/control data 240 to endoscope for operating endoscope202. Endoscope 202 will then begin transmitting a video image datastream 242 to control unit 210 for processing and display.

FIG. 6 is still another embodiment of the present invention similar tothat described in connection with FIG. 2, however, also included arecamera 250, coupling 252 and coupling 254.

The embodiment if FIG. 6 is designed for an endoscope 202 with adetachable camera 250, where the camera may already have an independentconnection (coupling 254) to the control unit 210. Coupling 254 maycomprise a hard-wired connection or a wireless connection for thetransmission of both power and/or data. This could allow for the use ofexisting cameras with endoscope having the transceiver arrangement whereonly the endoscope receives power via resonant magnetic field 218.

Likewise, coupling 252 may comprise a connection that allows for thetransmission of reflected light received by the endoscope to betransmitted to the camera 250. Alternatively, it is contemplated thatthe imager 204 may be positioned in the endoscope and the camera 250receives a data stream via coupling 252.

Many differing configurations for the transmission and reception ofsignals can be envisioned in this system. For example, it iscontemplated that power may be transmitted to both the endoscope andcamera via resonant magnetic field 218 while data may be transmittedbetween camera 250 and control unit 210 via coupling 254. The datatransmitted via coupling 254 may include, for example, the video datastream, control and command data. Alternatively, the video data streamthe video data stream is wirelessly transmitted on a data channel viaresonant magnetic field 218 while that control and command data aretransmitted between camera 250 and control unit 210 via coupling 254 andvice versa.

Alternatively, the endoscope may be provided as a direct visualizationendoscope where camera or video functionality may or may not beprovided.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particulararrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended toexhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many othermodifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill inthe art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A video endoscope system comprising: an endoscopehaving a housing and a shaft, said endoscope including: an imagergenerating video image data stream; a light source generatingilluminating light; an endoscope transceiver coupled to and providingpower to said imager and said light source; a power transceivergenerating a resonant magnetic field; said endoscope transceiver tunedto said resonant magnetic field such that resonant interaction occursbetween said endoscope transceiver and said power transceiver and poweris transmitted to said endoscope transceiver via said resonant magneticfield; a control unit coupled to said endoscope, and said powertransceiver is positioned in said control unit and comprises a controlunit transceiver; said endoscope wirelessly transmitting the video imagedata stream from said endoscope transceiver to said control unittransceiver via said resonant magnetic field; said control unit includesa processor for processing of the video image data; and a displaycoupled to said control unit for displaying said video image data. 2.The video endoscope system according to claim 1 wherein when saidendoscope is brought within a predefined radius of said powertransceiver, said power transceiver and said endoscope transceiverautomatically wirelessly couple to each other and said control unitautomatically identifies said endoscope and automatically adjustsoperational settings of said control unit based upon the identification.3. The video endoscope system according to claim 1 wherein saidprocessor receives and processes the video image data stream prior totransmission to said display.
 4. The video endoscope system according toclaim 1 wherein said endoscope transceiver and said power transceivereach comprise a power channel and a data channel.
 5. The video endoscopesystem according to claim 4 wherein the video image data stream istransmitted from said endoscope transceiver to said power transceivervia the data channel and control data is transmitted from said controlunit transceiver to said endoscope transceiver via the data channel. 6.The video endoscope system according to claim 1 wherein said endoscopefurther comprises a power storage coupled to said endoscope transceiversuch that, in the event of an interruption in the wireless couplingbetween said endoscope transceiver and said power transceiver, saidpower storage provides electrical power to said imager and said lightsource to avoid interruption in the transmission of the video image datastream.
 7. The video endoscope system according to claim 6 wherein whensaid endoscope transceiver is wirelessly coupled to said powertransceiver, said power storage charges.
 8. The video endoscope systemaccording to claim 1 further comprising a data storage and said videoimage data stream is saved in said data storage.
 9. The video endoscopesystem according to claim 8 wherein said video image data stream isretrievable such that said video image data stream may be accessed andplayed on said display.
 10. The video endoscope system according toclaim 9 wherein said video image data stream is annotated and saved. 11.The video endoscope system according to claim 10 wherein the annotationmay comprise a written, audio or visual annotation.
 12. The videoendoscope system according to claim 1 wherein said endoscope is coupledto a network.
 13. The video endoscope system according to claim 12wherein said network comprises the Internet.
 14. The video endoscopesystem according to claim 12 wherein said video endoscope system iscoupled to a surgical suite comprising at least one controller and atleast one surgical tool in addition to said endoscope.
 15. The videoendoscope system according to claim 1 wherein said video image datastream comprises from about 30 to 60 frames of information per second.16. The endoscope system according to claim 1 wherein the shaft isflexible.
 17. The endoscope system according to claim 1 wherein saidlight source is located in the handle and illuminating light istransmitted down a light path to a distal end of the shaft.
 18. Amedical device system comprising: a medical device having a housing suchthat said medical device may be grasped by a user, said medical deviceincluding: an electronic circuit; a resonant medical device transceivercoupled to and providing power to said electrical circuit; a power unitincluding a resonant power unit transceiver generating a resonantmagnetic field; a control unit coupled to a surgical suite forcontrolling the medical device, wherein the resonant power unittransceiver is positioned in said control unit; said resonant medicaldevice transceiver tuned to said resonant magnetic field such thatresonant interaction occurs between said resonant medical devicetransceiver and said resonant power unit transceiver and power tooperate the medical device is transmitted to said resonant medicaldevice transceiver via said resonant magnetic field; wherein the medicaldevice is selected from the group consisting of: a cutting/cauterizingtool, or an irrigation tool, or an aspiration tool, or a visualizationtool, or a recording and/or printing device; wherein each transceivercomprises a power channel and a data channel.
 19. The medical devicesystem according to claim 18 wherein medical device data is transmittedfrom said resonant medical device transceiver to said resonant powerunit transceiver via the data channel and control data is transmittedfrom said resonant power unit transceiver to said resonant medicaldevice via the data channel.
 20. The medical device system according toclaim 18 wherein when said medical device is brought within a predefinedradius of said control unit, said control unit and said medical deviceautomatically wirelessly resonantly couple to each other and saidcontrol unit automatically identifies said medical device andautomatically adjusts operational settings of said control unit basedupon the identification.
 21. The medical device system according toclaim 18 wherein said network comprises the Internet.
 22. The medicaldevice system according to claim 18 wherein said surgical suitecomprises at least one controller and at least one surgical tool inaddition to said endoscope.
 23. The medical device system according toclaim 18 wherein said medical device further comprises a power storagesuch that, in the event of an interruption in the wireless couplingbetween said resonant medical device transceiver and said resonant powerunit transceiver, said power storage provides electrical power to saidelectronic circuit to avoid interruption in the operation of the medicaldevice.
 24. The medical device system according to claim 23 wherein whensaid resonant medical device transceiver is coupled via resonantmagnetic field to said resonant power unit transceiver, said powerstorage charges.
 25. The medical device system according to claim 18where said medical device comprises a plurality of medical devices andwherein each medical device is provided with an electronic circuit and aresonant receiver coupled to and providing power to said electricalcircuit, and said resonant receivers in each medical device are tuned tosaid resonant magnetic field such that resonant interaction occursbetween each of said resonant receivers and said resonant power unittransceiver and power to operate the medical devices is transmitted tosaid resonant receivers via said resonant magnetic field.
 26. Themedical device system according to claim 18 wherein the surgical suiteis a rack mounted arrangement.
 27. The medical device system accordingto claim 18 wherein said medical device comprises a first medical deviceand said medical device system further comprises at least a secondmedical device coupled to said surgical suite, and wherein said secondmedical device is different than said first medical device.
 28. Anendoscope system comprising: an endoscope having: a housing and a shaft;a light source generating illuminating light; an imager generating avideo image data stream; an endoscope transceiver coupled to andproviding power to said light source and said imager, said endoscopetransceiver positioned in the housing of said endoscope; a control unithaving a power transceiver generating a resonant magnetic field; saidendoscope transceiver tuned to said resonant magnetic field such thatresonant interaction occurs between said endoscope transceiver and saidpower transceiver and power is transmitted to said endoscope transceivervia said resonant magnetic field; wherein said endoscope furthercomprises a power storage coupled to said endoscope transceiver suchthat, in the event of an interruption in the wireless resonant couplingbetween said endoscope transceiver and said power transceiver, saidpower storage provides electrical power to said light source; saidendoscope wirelessly transmitting the video image data stream to saidcontrol unit via said endoscope transceiver to said power transceiver.29. The endoscope system according to claim 28 further comprising adisplay coupled to said control unit, wherein the video image datastream is presented on said display.
 30. The endoscope system accordingto claim 28 wherein said control unit is coupled to a network.
 31. Theendoscope system according to claim 30 wherein said network comprisesthe Internet.
 32. The endoscope system according to claim 30 whereinsaid control unit is coupled to a surgical suite comprising at least onecontroller and at least one surgical tool in addition to said endoscope.33. The endoscope system according to claim 28 wherein when saidendoscope transceiver is wirelessly resonantly coupled to said powertransceiver, said power storage charges.
 34. An endoscope systemcomprising: an endoscope having: a housing and a shaft; a light sourcegenerating illuminating light; an endoscope transceiver coupled to andproviding power to said light source; a power transceiver generating aresonant magnetic field; said endoscope transceiver tuned to saidresonant magnetic field such that resonant interaction occurs betweensaid endoscope transceiver and said power transceiver and power istransmitted to said endoscope transceiver via said resonant magneticfield; a camera coupled to said endoscope, said camera generating avideo image data stream representative of reflected light received bysaid endoscope; a control unit coupled to said camera; wherein saidpower transceiver is positioned in said control unit and comprises acontrol unit transceiver, said control unit receiving the video imagedata stream from the control unit transceiver and said control unitprocessing the video image data stream; and a display coupled to saidcontrol unit for displaying the video image data stream.
 35. Theendoscope system according to claim 34 wherein when said endoscope isbrought within a predefined radius of said control unit transceiver,said control unit transceiver and said endoscope transceiverautomatically wirelessly couple to each other.
 36. The endoscope systemaccording to claim 35 wherein when said camera is coupled to saidcontrol unit, said control unit automatically identifies said camera andautomatically adjusts operational settings of said control unit basedupon the identification.
 37. An endoscope system comprising: anendoscope having: a housing and a shaft; a light source generatingilluminating light; an endoscope transceiver coupled to and providingpower to said light source; a power transceiver generating a resonantmagnetic field; said endoscope transceiver tuned to said resonantmagnetic field such that resonant interaction occurs between saidendoscope transceiver and said power transceiver and power istransmitted to said endoscope transceiver via said resonant magneticfield; a camera coupled to said endoscope, said camera generating avideo image data stream representative of reflected light received bysaid endoscope; a display coupled to said camera, wherein said cameratransmits the video image data stream to said display and said imagedata is presented on said display; a control unit coupled between saidcamera and said display, said control unit receiving the video imagedata stream via said power transceiver; and wherein said control unitincludes a processor that receives and processes the video image datastream.